Tuttle ‘excited’ to take West Sac’s helm

EDITOR’S NOTE: On June 7, the News-Ledger published in online article announcing the appointment of Martin Tuttle to be the next city manager for West Sacramento. Following is an updated version of that story from our June 13 edition, printed after we had a chance to talk with Tuttle and Mayor Cabaldon about Tuttle’s selection.

MARTIN TUTTLE: will take over from Toby Ross as West Sacramento city manager in July (photo courtesy of Caltrans)

The West Sacramento City Council on Wednesday chose Martin Tuttle as the next city manager. Tuttle is currently deputy director for planning and modal systems at Caltrans, and he will take his new post here on July 10. Tuttle replaces Toby Ross, who is retiring after 10 years at West Sacramento’s helm.

“We on the council want to keep challenging ourselves to get better and take the community to the next level,” Mayor Christopher Cabaldon told the News-Ledger. “In terms of being able to turn all the knobs and make the bureaucracy work, Marty is a great choice.”

[adrotate group=”7″] Tuttle’s resume includes six years as executive director of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) – an alliance that includes West Sacramento. SACOG has been involved in regional planning, and helped the city find financing for some of the its big infrastructure projects during Tuttle’s tenure at SACOG from 1999 to 2005.

But he has been crossing paths with the city and its leaders for even longer.

“I worked for 13 years for (former Assemblyman) Tom Hannigan,” said Tuttle, referring to a time when Hannigan represented the city. “Then I ran the Solano Transportation Authority for three years. After I left SACOG, I helped run a development company called New Faze for three years.”

Tuttle also worked as land use planning manager for URS before joining Caltrans.

He told the News-Ledger he expects to change his residence from Davis to West Sacramento soon.
What does he see as his strengths?

“I think they were looking for a competent manager who can get results and work well with a cohesive council and staff,” said Tuttle. “I think the city has great vision and a great location.”

“My skill set is unique,” he added. “My work throughout the region, country and state will help bring money and expertise to local projects. I’m excited.”

He praised the work of his predecessors at the city manager’s desk – Toby Ross and Joe Goeden, who between them held the job for nearly all the city’s first 25 years.

[adrotate group=”9″] “Marty Tuttle aims high and gets the job done, which makes him the perfect fit for West Sacramento and our city’s ambitious vision,” said Mayor Cabaldon in a press statement. “Recruiting a manager of this caliber means that West Sacramento won’t miss a beat on the waterfront, neighborhoods, the port, flood protection, economic development, prudent budgeting and our other priorities.”

Tuttle is a UC Davis graduate and a fourth-generation Californian, reported city spokesman Art Schroeder.

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